It's may be hard to think of fall and the excitement that comes from swinging on a flushed grouse or woodcock when air temperatures across the nation are at an all time high, but it's not too early to register for the first annual "New York Grouse and Woodcock Benefit Hunt" scheduled for the weekend of October 19-21.

Hosted by the Ruffed Grouse Society and held out of the On the Wing Grouse Camp - a Sunderland, MA based outfitter specializing in grouse and woodcock hunting in Northern New York, the two day guided hunt is limited to the first 20 guns to register.

Registration -- which includes guides with dogs, lodging, all meals with a full banquet dinner on Saturday -- is $750 inclusive per hunter based on double occupancy. Individual guided hunt (single occupancy) $900, or two-hunter guided hunt (double) $1,400. Hunters are encouraged to bring their own dogs.

Participants also receive a one year RGS membership, complimentary RGS shell bag, two boxes of 12 or 20 gauge shotgun shells and a RGS sponsor cap and knife. A 50-percent deposit is required. All major credit cards accepted.

According to Bruce Bennett, the hunt will take place on the On the Wing Grouse Camp Ellenburg Center grounds in (Clinton County, NY) - 1,000 acres of private property managed specifically for grouse and woodcock. The property is adjacent to 5,000 acres of state land. Hunters are encouraged to bring their own dogs.

A New York State small game or sportsmen's license is required and provided you are already in the system can be purchased on line at: www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6101.html. Non-residents will need to provide a hunter education certificate ID number. Out-of-state licenses are not accepted.

To download the hunt itinerary log onto: www.ruffedgrousesociety.org/UserFiles/File/12NY%20Hunt%20Invitation.pdf .

As with all RGS fundraiser's, proceeds from this event will be used to restore and protect grouse and woodcock habitat.

For more information and/or reservations contact Bruce Bennett at 413-237-1054, or by e-mail at: bbennett82@comcast.net . You can also contact Julie Caugherty-Krieger at 412-203-4120 or 1-888-564-6747, ext. 4120. E-Mail: juliec@ruffedgrousesociety.org .

Established in 1961, the Ruffed Grouse Society is the one international wildlife conservation organization dedicated to promoting conditions suitable for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and related wildlife to sustain our sport hunting tradition and outdoor heritage.

Information on the RGS, its mission, management projects and membership can be found on the web at: www.ruffedgrousesociety.org.